Updated 2/16/08 Body Positively Identified as Brianna Denison (2/15/08 Brianna Denison Update)

RENO, Nev. — Police say the body of a woman found in a field in Reno is that of a college student missing since she was abducted nearly a month ago.

The body of 19-year-old Brianna Denison was discovered Friday in a grown-over lot by a business park on the city's south side. Police confirmed Saturday that the body was hers. more here

Our prayers go to Brianna's family and friends. We didn't want it to end this way but unfortunately it did. May God rest her soul...

Remember, the killer is still out there and the police need your help in solving the murder of Brianna. Call the number that is on the right column by the "way home" picture with any information no matter how trivial it seems. Or call your local FBI office please. There is a link to the Bri Blog on the bottom of her picture that has more information and a memorial set up for Bri. Also, there is a song you can download that her brother had produced for her titled "No Time To Say Goodbye".


Autopsy scheduled for 9 AM today 2/16/08





Reno Gazette Journal

Authorities are moving the body of a woman found today in southeast Reno.

Spokesman Steve Frady earlier refused to comment on whether the investigation into the dead body is related to the abduction of Brianna Denison.

Frady said a tip was called in to the police department about 12:13 p.m. and officers responded.

About 44 police officers are working the case, Frady said. And a helicopter is circling the area, taking aerial photos, Frady said.

Frady is still asking people to stay out of the area as police officers work on their investigation.

Frady said no details were available about how the body was found or how long they suspect the body was there.

Meanwhile, Brianna's family is waiting for word
of the identity of the female body found.

While family members of Brianna Denison waited for news on whether a body found Friday was the missing 19-year-old, they pleaded with the public again to come forward with any information about who might have abducted her.

More at Fox News

Channel 4KRNV Reno Has more below.

You can view their audio slideshow here

Police have not identified the body, but a passerby told News 4 that he asked a police officer if the body was that of missing teen Brianna Denison. He says the officer told him they are assuming it is her.

Reno Police Department spokesperson Steve Frady says they won't know the identity of the body until autopsy results are released. They believe that will be sometime tomorrow.

Everyone should keep in mind that until the body is positively identified speculation makes the situation worse. Our prayers again go out to Brianna, her family and her friends.

2/03/03 update/Update 2/01/08 Brianna Denison Abduction Case

2/03/09 Briana's family is asking for more volunteers to help search for Brianna.

"The Brianna Denison Search Center will continue conducting civilian volunteer searches through Feb. 10. Family members on Saturday said they were grateful for the more than 250 volunteers who went on searches earlier in the day. But they need more."

If you live in the area please lend a hand to find Brianna. The more in the search the better chances of hopefully finding Brianna.

Earlier news below:

Briana Denison case to be featured on Americas Most Wanted on Saturday 9PM Fox Network. Please see here for more details on your time zone.
A composite drawing has been released after another woman came forward to report a prior rape. The Reno Police do not know if linked but may be connected some way. The rape victim came forward after reading about Brianna Denison's abduction.

"Police have linked two attacks late last year on women near a university campus to the suspected abduction of Denison on Jan. 20. New DNA evidence ties Denison's abduction to a third attack in November. Evidence collected at the scene of the November attack included unopened packages of condoms. The condom package photos are included herein as another piece of information that might alert a person with knowledge of a suspect who uses this brand to call the Reno Police Department tip line @ 1-775-745-3521."

"The sketch, made from a woman's description from a previously unreported attack in October, shows a 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 white male with light brown or dirty blond hair. He had a slender to medium build and was wearing a dark-hooded pullover sweat shirt, athletic-type nylon sweat pants with black stripes and white tennis shoes."

More on this story at Reno Gazette Journal Please see link at sidebar for the Reno Police Department and number to call if you have anything at all. Thank you! We want Brianna to be reunited with her family and are praying hard for this to happen. Thank you El Cid for the info!

Brianna Denison 2/18/08 Update

A Memorial set up at site where Brianna Zunino Denison's body was found.

Yards from where Brianna Denison's body was found Friday in South Reno, dozens of mourners studied a poster of the smiling 19-year-old that said, "We Love You Brianna!" The spot was surrounded by blue balloons, flowers, notes, candles and stuffed animals.

Hundreds of people who never met "Bri" drove Sunday to the intersection of Double R Boulevard and Sandhill Road to pay their respects to Denison, who police said was kidnapped Jan. 20 by a serial sexual predator and strangled.

Rest in peace dear child. You, your family and your friends are in our prayers.
<---------------------------------------------------------------->

THE SUSPECT
White male, 28 to 40 years old; long face with a square chin; 5 feet 6 inches, possibly as tall as 6 feet; brown hair, facial hair about a quarter to half-inch below his chin, shaved pubic region; "innie" belly button, belly firm, not excessively large; very strong but not muscular; speaks without accent or regional dialect.
THE CLOTHING
Red short-sleeve shirt of material similar in feel to a FUBU jersey-type shirt (silk/rayon/polyester) with a medium blue-colored neckline, short printed (possibly embroidered) word on the upper left breast area; shirt with wrist-length sleeves underneath; pants with an elastic waist band and no zipper, like bastketball warmups.
THE VEHICLE
Extended-cab pickup with interior dome light above the windshield; floor-mounted console opens in front; radio has blue and red LED read-out; cloth seats, automatic transmission; baby shoe and typing paper on the front seat floor.
HOW TO HELP
Anyone with information can reach the Reno police hot line at 745-3521, detectives at 334-2115 or Secret Witness at 322-4900. Secret Witness is offering a $2,500 reward for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest and prosecution.

rgj offers ribbons
To support Brianna Denison's family's request to wear blue ribbons in Brianna's honor, citizens may pick one up today at the Reno Gazette-Journal office at 955 Kuenzli St. The ribbons were made by community members and employees. They will be available until supplies last.
Ribbons will also be available at the Brianna Search Center on the fifth floor of Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center at 645 N. Arlington Ave. Volunteers will be asked to help take down "Bring Back Bri" posters and fliers.

(*Sticky)For Daily Updates On Brianna Zunino Denison's Case

****HELP FIND BRIANNA'S KILLER!****

3/06 Special AMW & RPD Video added
3/02 AMW video link added
3/21 Updated description of Brianna's killer


For daily updates on Brianna Dennison's case please visit Reno Gazette Journal's special online section. It was started at beginning of abduction of Brianna. Links of every update are in chronological order.

It is updated daily with important information that all are seeking such as memorial, vigil, and other happenings in the community to honor Brianna.

There are also links to photo's of the composite drawing, (Updated 3/21)detailed description of suspect, suspects vehicle and contents inside plus location of dome light, evidence seized in prior rape case, picture of pink panther thongs found at crime scene, map of rapes/and now murder area. etc.


Brianna Denison Special Daily Updates
Reno Police Dept: Brianna Denison Investigation
Brianna's Case to be Featured on America's Most Wanted 3/01/08
Video: Bri's Memorial
Santa Barbara City College remembers Brianna
Police Flier PDF

Any, any information anyone has to give to the police, your identity will be kept private. The numbers are on the right side column.

We continue to keep Brianna, her family and friends in our thoughts and prayers..

01/28/08 Update on Missing Reno Teen Brianna Denison DNA Results Link to Another Case

TheReno Police Department and the FBI are continuing to investigate the disappearance of Brianna Denison and the following information is being provided as part of a request for additional assistance:
Snippet:

"Evidence obtained from the scene of Brianna Denison’s disappearance included DNA genetic samples. After analysis by the Washoe County Crime Lab, a positive link has been established between this case and a Kidnap and Sexual Assault case that occurred at a nearby residence on December 16, 2007 @ 2:05 a.m. The victim in the December case was also the victim of a recent (1/19/08) attempted burglary at her residence in the 1400 block of N. Virginia St. On November 13, 2007 shortly after 5:00 p.m., an unknown suspect sexually attacked a UNR student who was walking to her home in the neighborhood. That case is also being investigated as being possibly connected to those already mentioned."

"Additionally, detectives have learned of new information relative to these three mentioned cases which is being distributed to the public. This information is relative to a possible suspect vehicle and a suspect description which are as follows: "

"• Suspect vehicle: Extended cab pick-up truck or SUV, dome light above the windshield, tall enough that it requires a step up to gain entry, floor-mounted console that was described as “fairly skinny” that opens in front, blue and red LED read-out on the radio, cloth seats, automatic transmission. There was a baby shoe on the front seat floor board. There were 8 ½” x 11” white pieces of paper with typing on the floor board of the front seat."

"• "Suspect: White male, approximately 28 - 40 years, long face with a square chin, taller than 5’6” but not excessively so, very strong but not with a significantly muscular build, a belly that was described as not excessively large and firm but not flabby, an “innie” belly button, shaved pubic region, a light covering of hair on his arms, no jewelry or a watch, facial hair about a quarter to a half an inch long below his chin and was soft and not prickly as stubble normally is, unknown if he had a mustache, brown head hair of undetermined style, normal speech with no accent or regional dialect, no smoker’s breath, no alcohol, no bad breath, no cologne or after-shave."
"• Suspect clothing at the time of the Kidnap/Sexual assault: red (not maroon) short sleeve shirt described as being made of material similar in feel to a Fubu jersey-type shirt (silk/rayon/polyester type) with a medium blue-colored neckline, short printed (possibly embroidered) word on the upper left breast area, another shirt underneath with wrist-length sleeves, unknown color pants – regular length – not jeans. The pants reminded the victim of basketball pants as the material was smooth but they made no noise when he moved and they had an elastic waist band and no zipper."
Please coninue reading..
Case Summary and Other Details:
"Brianna Denison was last accounted for at approximately 4:30 a.m., on Sunday, January 20, 2008. It is believed that the suspect encountered her sometime thereafter, at a time when most people were asleep. Because the suspect was out at an odd hour, he may have fabricated a story regarding his activities during the early morning hours of January 20, 2008. The suspect may be a resident of the neighborhood immediately west of the University of Nevada campus and/or may have intimate knowledge of the area. For reference, the three crimes in question occurred on the following dates and times: November 13, 2007 – 5:40 p.m., December 16, 2007 – 2:00 a.m., January 19, 2008 4:00 a.m., and January 20, 2008 – 4:30 a.m. Because of the nature of the crimes, please note that the information, e.g., height or weight descriptions, might not be completely accurate. Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, should be brought to our attention, including abrupt and noticeable changes in the behavior of a person that could be considered a suspect. "

"Genetic sampling (DNA) has been identified from the scene of Brianna’s disappearance and has been linked to the Kidnap/Sexual assault case as mentioned above. Additionally, the blood found on the pillow at the residence has been identified as belonging to Brianna. Her clothing at the time of her disappearance was described as a white tank top with pink angel wings with rhinestones on the back and word “Bindi” on the back. She was wearing pink sweats that had two distinctive brown stains on one leg."
"People who know the suspect may not believe that he is capable of committing this type of crime and he may not necessary have a violent criminal history."

"With the above in mind, citizens are asked to contact authorities with any potentially useful information even if it seems unimportant to them or they think that someone else has already filed a similar report or the information does not completely fit with previously reported information or other details contained herein. It is important to note that because the DNA that has been collected is valid and conclusive, any person that is brought to our attention can be easily and unobtrusively eliminated or identified as a suspect."

Information can discreetly be provided via telephone to the Reno Police Department tip line @ 775-745-3521.

Westboro Idiots Plans Protests Tonight at Memorial of Murdered Teenager Brianna Denison of Reno, Nevada!

For those of you unaware I have been following this case closely here and directing people to updated information on Brianna Dennison Zunino's murder.
Reno Teenager and Santa Barbara College student Brianna Denison was abducted in January while staying with friends over Christmas break. The home was near the University of Nevada and close to two other recent rapes. Her body was later found this month 8 miles from where she disappeared.

The police have been working feverishly to find this killer. They have linked his DNA to the 2 other rapes and believe a 3rd rape case in the area may also be linked.

Now that he has murdered his lastest victim the community is in fear he will strike again. UNR students & others are arming themselves with stun guns and mace. Unfortunately stores are running out of both.

The killer must feel very much in control and "up" right now knowing what he has done to the community. He had left a pair of thong underwear next to Brianna's body. DNA determined they didn't belong to Brianna. It did show his DNA and an unknown females. So it appears he is taunting the authorities.

Now the bas***ds of the Westboro Baptist Church, I use the term "church" loosely here, want to protest the "Celebration of Life" being held in memory of Brianna from 6 to 7pm tonight at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. According to their website:

Reno-Sparks Convention Center
4590 S. Virginia St.
This is for the memorial service for Brianna Denison. She was the "victim" of a serial rapist's[sic] strangulation. We call it the Wrath of God being poured out on a nation of rebels without a cause. You brought this Wrath on your own head, Reno, NV because you (lst) raised your children to be dashed to pieces as rebellious, arragant[sic] soldiers of a Doomed nation of perverts and (2nd) when we warned you to not go to Hell like the dead soldiers and OBEY YOUR MAKER [......]You taught your daughters to be whores ? God sent the pervert to rape and murder your daughters. You taught your people to be lawless ? when your police do NOT obey the law and the oath they took ? you teach rebellion to the people. When you call God a liar and say his standards are on the table to dispose of, you teach the pervert that HE is entitled to disobey the law!! America is Doomed, and Reno, Nevada is Doomed. Amen.

The group released a statement to the media earlier explaining their reason for the protest..."Reno Police Department". They lied, this is about Brianna and her life as you can see by the above statement from their website.

This case is very close to my heart and wish I could be there to counter their protest. The good folks of Reno certainly will be there as you see what happened to the Phelps group the last time they protested in Reno at a fallen hero's funeral.

2/05/08 Brianna Dennison Update

Please note: There is a problem with comments on this post, should soon be resolved.


2/05/08 update from this earlier post...
Reno Gazette Journal is following the abduction of Reno Teen Brianna Denison with frequent updates:

"Reno police said the DNA isn't the only link between four sexually motivated attacks against women near the University of Nevada, Reno campus, including the Jan. 20 abduction of missing woman Brianna Denison. They were crimes of opportunity. After a 19yr old UNR student reported last week that she was raped in October at gunpoint by a stranger in a campus parking lot, police say they are searching for a serial sexual predator"

"Three of the four women, including Denison, resemble each other in body size, hair color and age. The community is advised to use caution and secure their homes and not travel alone at night or when few people are around."

"Analysis of DNA has linked Denison's abduction to a Dec. 16 rape and abduction of a UNR student in an apartment parking lot across the street from the site of the attack in October."

The October incident is not connected at this time but police say there are similarities. All four incidents occurred within blocks of each other. Three of the four women, including Denison, resemble each other in body size, hair color and age."

The DNA evidence doesn't match what is in the local and national database but police said their is a backlog of 3,000 convicted offenders' DNA profiles yet to be entered into the database. It's possible the suspect's DNA is on a shelf at the Washoe county Crime Laboratory waiting to be entered into the system, officials say"......Dear Lord..ed

A sketch of the man in the Oct 22 rape should not rule out potential suspects because they rely on witness memories, and the man could have altered his appearance, officials said."

We continue to pray that Brianna will be found and reunited with her family.

Update on Briana (Brianna) Denison

See this post for further information on update.
A vigil was held last night for Brianna in Reno showing their support and not giving up on finding her!

Third Hore reminded me there is a $l00,000.00 reward that Brianna's family has set up..

Update on this post... Missing, Briana Denison Reno, Nevada..note Reno Police Dept has the spelling of Brianna, not Briana...


A hot line has been established just for Brianna. Anyone, please if you have any information call one of these numbers. While you are at it, please say a pray for her and her family and friends to give them strength through this horrific ordeal.
"Monday evening, members of Brianna Denison’s family made an appeal for her return and for anyone with information about her disappearance to call the tip line at:

(775) 745-3521. Information can also be called into the Secret Witness Program at (775) 322-4900, or the Reno Police Department Detective Division at (775) 334-2115"

Here is the website:
"Reno Police Dept. Established 24 hr Hotline"
Also Reno Gazette Journal has a site with other pictures and more information such as a Facebook page set up by friends..Please visit the above link.
Just received link to FaceBook here...
Update FBI called in.

Update: 2/19/08 Brianna Denison Murder Picture of Thong Underwear found at Crime Scene With Unknown Female DNA

Reno Gazette Journal

Reno police are trying to identify the female who owned a pair of black Pink Panther thong underwear found with Brianna Denison’s body on Friday.

Lt. Robert McDonald said DNA of an unknown woman and the DNA of the man who abducted and strangled Denison were on the panties. McDonald said the underwear was found with Denison’s body but was not hers. The male DNA found on the panties is from the same man who committed at least two sexually motivated crimes against other young college women recently.

Police want to know if the underwear belonged to another victim who has not reported being assaulted or if they belong to a woman who may have dated someone and later noticed the underwear missing. It’s also possible the underwear were stolen in a burglary.

McDonald said it’s important the woman who owns the underwear come forward because the information she has may lead police to the serial sexual predator who killed Denison.

The thong-style underwear are black with cartoon character Pink Panther’s head and pink hearts on it. They appear worn.

Anyone with information is asked to call 745-3521 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.
Check RGJ.com later for more details.

2/17/08 Brianna Denison..Police: Killer is Local, Familiar With Area

Reno Gazette Journal

Someone reading this sentence might know Brianna Denison's killer.

They don't want to believe that he -- a boyfriend, husband, son, brother or friend -- is capable of such violence. But in their hearts, they suspect it's him, police said.

And investigators said they hope someone will come forward with their suspicions before the serial rapist who graduated to killer, assaults another woman.

"We're entering a phase of the investigation now that is going to continue to need the assistance (of the public)," said Reno Police Deputy Chief Jim Johns.

"I want to re-encourage members of our community to focus on the suspect's description and on the suspect's vehicle description.

Police said the killer might not necessarily have a violent criminal history. He might be a resident of the neighborhood immediately west of the UNR campus and/or might have intimate knowledge of the area. He might have lived or worked near the area of Prototype Drive and Sandhill Road because that choice of a location to leave the body indicates he had a sense of familiarity with the area.

Police describe the suspect as white man, between the ages of 28 and 40, with light brown/dirty blonde hair. He is 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall, with a slender to medium build.

"He has a long face and a square chin, and at the time of the disappearance of Brianna he had a short beard that was soft to the touch. He has a normal speech pattern. He doesn't have an identifiable accent," Johns said.

He said he wants people to remember someone who "has given a hint or gives them an odd feeling.

"Does he have a shaved pubic area? Has he changed his local address recently?" Johns asked. He said the man may have recently changed his place of business, shaved his beard or otherwise unexpectedly altered his appearance.

And Johns said the death of Denison must have affected the man's behavior. He might have begun acting strangely in the days following the woman's disappearance.

Even if the killer has left town, he probably still has ties, police said. They said the man's truck is a major clue.

"Do you know somebody who had access to the suspect vehicle or who has recently gotten rid of a vehicle that matches that description?" Johns said. "We need to know who that person is. Contact us. Give us that information so we can run those leads down."

Police are looking for an extended cab pickup or SUV with an interior dome light above the windshield. The vehicle is tall enough that it requires a step up to gain entry, but that step is not an added "aftermarket" step.

A floor-mounted console is described as "fairly skinny" that opens in front, and the radio has a blue and red LED display. The vehicle also has cloth seats and an automatic transmission. A baby shoe was on the front seat floor board, and 8½-by-11-inch white pieces of paper with typing on the floor board of the front seat.

It is believed that the killer entered the home where Denison slept on a couch some time after 4:30 a.m. Because the killer was out at such a late hour, he may have made up a story about his activities during the early morning of Jan. 20.

Please check the right side column here...list of numbers to call if you have any information at all. We all want to find this killer before he may kill again...

Brianna Denison Information on Composite Drawing

For those who have been searching for more information on the possible killer of Brianna Denison you can check the archives here by using the search in the upper left corner above. Here is the composite drawing of the possible suspect. Also the evidence seized in a related rape case. The updated Brianna post is directly below this. Brianna has been positively identified as the body found in the field.

(Update)Brianna Zunino Denison 11/26 Update - Police Arrest Suspect In Her Killing

Update: DNA matched, he is the killer.


Update on these posts about Brianna


RGJ

Reno police Tuesday arrested a suspect in the slaying of Brianna Denison, ending a 10-month hunt for the man who abducted the 19-year-old Reno High School graduate from a friend’s home in January.

KOLO 8 News reported a man named James Biela was booked into the Washoe County Jail on charges of murder, kidnapping in the first degree and sexual assault but could not confirm he is the suspect in the Denison case.

Reno police took a DNA sample from the suspect and said it would take 12 hours to process, according to KTNV channel 2 news.

Police spokesman Steve Frady issued a one-sentence news release announcing a news conference at 10:30 a.m. today. He would not say whether the suspect was arrested in Reno or elsewhere.

Lets hope and pray this person is indeed the man who murdered Brianna.

KOLO Video explains how they obtained picture of possible suspect.

2/06/08 Update Nevadan's Contact Your Representatives...for Brianna Denison

Video
Reno Gazette Journal is reporting since yesterday $62,000 has been raised with more pledges coming in. Thanks to all who have pledged for for Brianna and others whose cases are unsolved. Again Please contact your representatives listed below to ask them why they have allowed poor funding for such an important crime solving tool.....DNA!...they made the law and didn't fund it?

"Sheriff Mike Haley said at a Monday news conference that a new law that took effect in October requires DNA be taken and processed from all convicted felons and those convicted of gross misdemeanor sex crimes. But the state provided no money for the extra work, he said."

Nevada is asking for monies to help pay for backlog of DNA that may help to further solve Brianna Denison case. This is totally outrageous! John Gibbons,, Harry Reid & John Ensign what say you!
Thank you Ash/el cid!

Update:Westboro Idiots Plans Protests Tonight at Memorial of Murdered Teenager Brianna Denison of Reno, Nevada!

The above picture was from a counter-protest at a fallen hero's funeral in Reno. I inadvertantly thought this was taken at the memorial for Brianna as the RGJ had the picture with the story. The following link is a slide show of the counter-protest the wonderful Reno residents did to hide the sadistict Westboro Baptist protestors. They braved the snow to assure family and friends didn't have to deal with these scum.

Angels in the Snow

Westboro came to spread their evil hatred at Brianna Deninsons memorial. They met up with over 150 patriots to counter them. Thanks Reno!

They left in a police van!

Video of Bri's Memorial